Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is known as one of
India's Seven Sacred cities. Kanchipuram was, one of India's seven sacred
cities. Kanchipuram was the historical capital of the Pallavas. It was under
the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century A.D and later became the citadel of
Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. It has been a centre
of Tamil learning, cultural and religious background for centuries.
Kanchi is also known centre of the finest silk sarees made in the country.
Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing
eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Adi Sankara
established his episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam). Kanchipuram is the birth
place of C.N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu affectionately
called as "Anna" by the people of Tamil Nadu.

Kanchipuram, the Golden City of a thousand temples, is the capital of the
Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and 7th
centuries, some of the best temples in the city were built by the Pallavas.
The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar,
Siruthonder and the great Budddhist Bhikku lived, and worked here. Today, it
is known not only for its temples, but also for its handwoven silk fabrics.

Location
Kanchipuram is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and
the seat of the Shankaracharya. The temple city of Kanchipuram extends from
latitude 12° 50' in the north to longitude 79° 45' in the east.
The city is situated around 70 km from Chennai in the south Indian state of
Tamil Nadu.

Climate
The climate of Kanchipuram is tropical with an almost uniform temperature
throughout the year. During summers, the temperature ranges between 36.6°C
and 21.1°C. Winter months are slightly colder and the temperatures
remain between 28.7°C and 19.8°C. The average annual rainfall in
the city is 87 cm.

History

Kanchipuram or the Golden City of Temples is one of the most important
centers of Hindu religion and also one of the most picturesque. The place is
one of India's seven sacred cities and the second holiest after Varanasi.

The city was once the capital of the Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagar
rulers. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century AD but, during
that period, was also briefly occupied by the Chalukyas, and the
Rashtrakutas. Many of the temples situated here are the work of the Pallavas
and later Cholas.

Pilgrimage
Attractions of Kanchipuram

Kamakshi Amman Temple
India has three main cities where the Goddess Shakti is worshipped.
Kanchipuram holds the most important rank among the three. In the
same order, the three places are Kanchipuram, where the Goddess
Kamakshi is worshipped, Madurai, where the Goddess Meenakshi is
worshipped, and Kashi, where the deity is 'Visaalakshi'. The
Kamakshi Amman temple is the hub of all religious activities in
Kanchipuram. The temple is also in closer control of the Shankara
Mutt, unlike the other temples, which are governed either by the
Department of Archeology, Government of India, or the Hindu Temples
Department of the Tamil Nadu Government.

The main tower over the sanctum (Vimanam) of the temple is gold
plated. Also of significance is the Golden Chariot in this temple.
The Golden Chariot is taken in a procession around the temple on
Friday evenings around 7.00 p.m. This temple also features an Art
Gallery with pictures depicting the history of Sri Adishankaracharya
and the Shankara Mutt.

Kailashanathar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kailashanathar (also spelt as
Kailashnatha) is one of the earliest temples built by the Pallava
ruler Rajasimha Pallava and was completed by his son, Mahendra Varma
Pallava in the 8th century AD. It is the oldest structure in
Kanchipuram and the finest example of Pallava architecture in South
India . The temple is situated among several low-roofed houses just
over 1-km west of the town center. Of all the temples in India, no
other edifice has been so elaborately filled with all the 64 aspects
of Lord Shiva. The temple is unique in its architecture and is
viewed more as an architectural wonder than as a holy place. Hence,
it is never crowded with locals. But, once in a year during
Shivaratri festival large crowds visit the temple and there could be
hours of waiting in long queues.

Ekambareshwar Temple
Ekambareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the largest
temples in Kanchipuram, spreading over an area of 12.14 hectares.
This ancient temple is surrounded by a huge stonewall built in the
early 16th century during the days of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Ekambareshwar
temple is of hoary antiquity, beginning as a small fane, it has
grown over the centuries into a large one with innumerable shrines,
Mandapams, Gopurams and Tanks. It is considered to be one of the
most ancient temples in India and has been in existence even prior
to 600 AD. It enshrines many traditions.

Kumara Kottam
Kumara Kottam is located in between the Kamakshi and Ekambareshwar
temples in the Somaskanda formation in the town of Kanchipuram. It
is a well-visited temple with two Prakarams and a complete pantheon
of Parivara Devatas enshrined in their respective shrines.

In the sanctum, Muruga is in a seated pose. Valli, Deivayani are
absent here, but their festival idols are kept here. In accordance
with the function of Creation he has assumed, his right arm is in
Abaya pose, the upper hand holds the rosary, and the lower left arm
is on the thigh in Katyavailambita pose with the left arm holding
the Kamandalam. The posture is also called "Brahma Chattam".

Varadaraja Temple
The Varadaraja temple is one of the important shrines of Sri
Vaishnavites, also known as "Hastigiri" and is one of the
celebrated Vaishnava Divya Desams, located in Vishnu Kanchi or "the
Little Kanchi". Originally it was known as "Attiyuran".
The main deity here is Varadaraja Perumal in a standing posture
facing west and the Lord here is also known as "Devaraja",
"Pranatharthihara", "Deva Perumal", "Athiyooran"
and "Perarulalan".

Varadaraja temple with superb art has a magnificent history, which
is associated with Sri Ramanuja, who used to serve here. Many
miracles are said to have occurred. It was with his ministry that
the temple, then already several centuries old, began to gain fame.

Ulahalanda Perumal Temple
Ulahalanda Perumal temple, situated about half a kilometre from the
centre of the town near Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the oldest
temples in Kanchipuram. The deity Ulahalanda Perumal in this temple
represents the "Vamana Roopam", an incarnation of Lord
Vishnu taken to save the Devas from the Demon king Mahabali. The
deity Ulahalanda Perumal is depicted by a huge image of about 35
feet high.

Rail
Trains for Kanchipuram are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu,
Tirupati, and Bangalore.

Road
Kanchipuram is 75-km away from Chennai and is well connected by a
network of roads. There are frequent buses from the city to Chennai,
Bangalore and other places. For local transportation bicycles can be
hired from the shops near the bus stand. Cycle Rickshaws and auto
rickshaws are also available on hire to move in and around the city.